Katerniaghat Sanctuary is very well known for concentrated Gharial population in river Girwa. I remember, in 2005 we could locate only 5 nests of Gharial scattered on different sand bars, and before that there was no record of natural breeding in river Girwa for last 7-8 years. The eggs were predated both by wild animals and human beings. From the next year, that was 2006, intensive efforts were initiated and the number of nests constantly increased to 18 in 2006, 24 in 2007 and finally to 27 in 2009.
Last year all sand bars had been washed away in during the flood, even then the Gharials laid eggs on different scattered sites. Besides this 161 eggs were brought from Kukrail Breeding Centre, Lucknow and were artificially laid on the sand bars for ex-situ hatching.
As per the information till date 30 nests have been hatched and out of 1317 eggs 1178 hatchlings have come out. Out of 161 Kukrail eggs, 140 hatchlings have come out. It is expected that more nests will hatch in day or two.
I had been constantly observing the breeding of Gharials in Katerniaghat for last 5 years and can easily say that if the closure is provided around the breeding habitats and the Gharials are given disturbance free zone for at least three months (April -June), wonderful results can be achieved. We need similar success in other breeding Gharial habitats also.
Photos:(C) Ramesh Pandey
